PA school without pt care experience?

[chocolate-e]

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I've recently started to consider the PA option, but I've noticed researching schools that many require a certain number of hours/years of direct patient care experience. Even with those that don't have an explicit requirement, I wonder whether people with little experience ever actually get in--ie is it worth applying? Have any of you applied to PA school wihout much experience? What did you find?

I'm a senior biochem major and my only patient care experience is volunteering at the hospital for a semester ... probably only 60 hours or so total. I'm could take a year off from school to get more time in ... but I'm not sure if being a PA (rather than an NP) is worth it.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

Claire

 

[deleted6669]

a few thoughts...
it is possible to get into some pa programs without experience but you would be playing a lot of catch up to all the nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists in the class. your best bet would be to get some type of entry level health care experience( emt, medical assistant, etc), work for a year or so and apply.
if you are considering np, you have to be a nurse first( at the bsn level-that's a b.s. degree) with a minimum of a years experience to be eligible. check out both fields thoroughly before you decide.spend a day with a pa and a day with an np. they are really quite different in their training focus although the job market is similar for both.
check out www.aapa.org for general info on the pa profession and www.physicianassociate.com for a more balanced perspective on pa's then you will find on sdn.good luck

 

[chocolate-e]

Thanks for the advice! This is something I will definitely look into more.

 

[UrSexyLatinDr21]

EMEDPA,Like which PA programs dont require clinical experience?

 

[deleted6669]

none that I would recommend.....
most of the programs around more than 10 years require experience. check the newer programs or better yet, GET SOME PT CARE EXPERIENCE!

 

[lalee]

chocolat-e
I would strongly recommend you become active in the healthcare environment. Volunteer...get a part-time job, become an emt, etc before applying. Without a true inside look into the entire healthcare system, you just would not know what you're getting yourself into. After you have aquired some experience, and you are STILL motivated to become a PA, start shadowing and apply.
PA programs require a bit more than just choosing a major!😉
I really don't think it is a good idea to become a PA WITHOUT healthcare experience...I think it does a disservice to the profession, but that's just my opinion.😛
Good luck

 

[deleted6669]

couldn't agree more lalee!